Is It Normal Or A Matter Of Concern?

My son has just reached 11. He has always been an active child, who met all his milestones on time.
He is clever, very handsome, stylish and conduct himself very well.
He has always been above average at school when he was in Sri Lanka. In fact, he has even pushed himself way too much at several occasions to be the topper, and gold medalists in certain subjects. He showed great skills in speech & presentations, especially public speaking & reciting English poems at inter-school level competitions back home.
He also showed so much interest in astronomy & watches a lot of youtube videos on astronomy off late, especially after this covid break.

However, since the past couple of months, especially after coming to abroad he shows physical & mental differences which are apparent.
Like, he doesn't speak or interact much with us at home. Doesn't play much with his sister, but always find happiness with his phone, or TV or alone.
Doesn't show interest in Education. Still following on-line schooling from home, but he lacks interest. I thought they may be the signs of teenage, and left it at that.

But what worries me the most is his changed body language and behavior.

He pays so much attention on cleanliness these days. Wants to wash his body each time after peeing/pooping.
Sanitize doors, chairs and sometimes his own cloths and always suspects of covid or germs in everywhere. Signs of OCD at its peak.
He doesn't remove his masks outside even if there are no people. If he is forced to remove, he keeps it away from his body, and act as if he has touched an untouchable.

His weird body language, like keeping hands away from the body (if he believes there are germs) or adjusting his cloths, and wearing masks imitates of a mentally retarded child. Sorry for using the word, but this is what I see whenever I see him with such behavior.

Besides that, he also shows social issues. Stopped talking with his Sri lankan friends on whatsapp. He doesn't wanna interact with any peers here either.
Honestly, he doesn't have a friend right now. He doesn't show interest in talking to his cousins either.
He feels extremely shy to talk or interact with others. Doesn't show leadership qualities unlike before.

Overall, these 6 months have changed him completely.

Of course he is inside home most of the times here. Having no friends, no play outside, and no school can have a serious impact on a kid. He is growing & teenage could be another issue.
Covid fear and all the talks at home related to covid may have had an impact in his cleanliness too.
But, comparatively, he shows all these negative sings than his younger sister and feels mentally detached from the family off late.

Is it normal?
Am I overacting?
Do I need to check with a Dr?

Kindly advice

 

Thanks & your post relieves me a lot.
I grew up with my brother, but he was just a year younger to me. At this age, I was very sure that my mom had tough time handling him too.
These days, I am rarely at home due to work. I come back home very late & tired, but all I hear from mom & DD is complains about son.

I have asked my H to keep an eye on him, and if possible try to relate to his teen time problems with his.

Of course, like any teen I understand it is important to provide him positive attention these days.

 

@MalStrom & @Laks09

Thanks for your thoughtful responses & the references.

I had a discussion with my H last night, and proposed all the great suggestions.
We are planning 1 month vacation to Sri Lanka next month. After that, hopefully kids will be back to School & camps as summer starts.
Also, we will make sure, the little guy gets the needful positive attention, and time off from the computer to go out and interact with others very soon.

Also, I have advised my mom not to criticize the child, especially before others even if that is family.
At this age, he needs positivity and support. Not negativity, even though I clearly understand her concerns for him.

I will also make sure, I keep an extra eye on this child at this stage to assist him cope with the changes that happens inside and outside of him.

I was brutally honest while I typed my concerns here. But I have never shown my inner feelings before the child or the family as I know it can damage his self esteem badly.

Thanks much for your continuous support. I am feeling relieved now.